More speech therapists needed to tackle communication crisis in under fives

We are the village report

A new report, published today (17 April 2024) by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), reveals rising numbers of pre-school children with communication difficulties in Northern Ireland, with many of them waiting too long for speech and language therapy. Complex communication needs among children under the age of five are also on the increase.

Unsupported speech, language and communication issues in the early years have a lifelong impact on children, affecting their ability to learn, to form friendships, to remain in education, and their potential to find employment.

The RCSLT is calling for the Northern Ireland Health Minister to fund more speech therapists in order to tackle the early years communication crisis.

Research carried out by the RCSLT in 2023 found:

• an 85% increase in children waiting for speech and language therapy appointments: from 2,444 children in 2021 to 4,527 in 2023.

• a rise in the number of children coming into pre-school and Primary One with more complex speech and language needs, requiring longer and more intensive support from speech therapists.

• a huge workforce shortage, with one in five NHS speech and language therapy posts in Northern Ireland unfilled, and almost a third of posts vacant in some services.

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of the RCSLT NI said,

“Speech and language therapy is not a luxury – it’s about our fundamental ability to communicate.

“There are more children in Northern Ireland waiting for speech and language therapy per head of the population than in any other region of the UK.

“Families are facing long, frustrating waits for speech therapy at this crucial stage of their children’s development. They have every right to be concerned.

“Speech and language therapists are doing their level best to support the increasing number of children being referred to them, but they are stretched far beyond capacity.”

The RCSLT is calling on the Northern Ireland Health Minister to increase the number of speech and language university places (currently 28) and introduce alternative routes into the profession to meet this escalating need for speech and language therapy services, so children get the vital support they need early on in life.

Ruth Sedgewick

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of the RCSLT NI continued,

“The bottom line is we need more speech and language therapists, and we need them soon. The Minister has said he will commit to increasing the number of speech and language therapy undergraduate places to 40, but this would only be a start and it will take three years before students complete their degree. 

“We urge the Department of Health to work much more closely with the Department of Education to improve access to speech, language and communication support for every single child who needs it now. 

“This is an issue with far-reaching impacts for every part of Northern Ireland’s economic and community life.  Without more speech and language therapists and better workforce planning, this situation is not going to get any better.

“In these important early years, little ones can’t afford to wait six months for an initial speech and language therapy assessment, only to wait for many more months to begin therapy. It’s not good enough and families deserve more.”

2024 Belfast Chamber Business Awards to celebrate city's entrepreneurial spirit

Paul McClurg, Head of Belfast Business Banking, Bank of Ireland UK, Broadcaster and Launch Event Host, Jo Scott and Belfast Chamber President, Gavin Annon launching the 2024 Business Awards at Belfast’s Custom House.

Belfast Chamber has officially launched its 2024 Business Awards, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

The ninth edition of the Belfast Chamber Business Awards will take place in a glittering ceremony at Titanic, Belfast on Friday 18th October.

The highly anticipated event will showcase Belfast's business success stories with 22 competitive categories ranging from Business Innovation and Best New Business to Best Company to Work For and the Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Commenting at the launch of the Awards at Custom House, where Belfast Chamber now has its headquarters, Belfast Chamber President Gavin Annon said:

“We are thrilled today to launch the 2024 Belfast Chamber Business Awards, proudly sponsored by Bank of Ireland. These awards stand as a beacon of excellence, shining a light on the remarkable achievements within Belfast's vibrant business landscape.

“From cutting-edge startups to well established firms, the entrepreneurial spirit within our city knows no bounds. With an unparalleled flair for innovation, our local businesses are continuously evolving to meet changing demands and seize untapped opportunities, driving their products and services into global markets.

“This year, we are again committed to honouring the finest companies across a range of categories, recognising their outstanding performance, innovative practices, exceptional service, and the invaluable contributions of their workforce.

“I would encourage all eligible businesses to participate in these prestigious awards. Submitting your application is free and easy. Simply visit the Belfast Chamber website at www.belfastchamber.com before the deadline on Friday 6th September.

“Our winners will have the satisfaction of knowing they are truly the best in business thanks to our rigorous and independent judging process. I look forward to joining our esteemed business leaders and their teams in celebrating their achievements at our Gala Awards event on Friday 18th October, hosted at the iconic Titanic, Belfast.”

Speaking about the return of the Awards, Paul McClurg, Head of Belfast Business Banking at Bank of Ireland UK commented:

“The Belfast Chamber Business Awards recognise and champion the dedication, resilience and creativity of Belfast businesses. Belfast has a central role to play in the growth of the wider Northern Ireland economy, and Bank of Ireland UK are proud to continue to support the Belfast Chamber Business Awards and celebrate the ambitions and achievements of our business community.

“Our first Belfast branch opened in 1825, and Bank of Ireland has been a key pillar of economic support for customers, business and local communities ever since. While there have been many changes since then, our commitment to supporting Belfast business, entrepreneurship and enterprise remains.

“We continue to partner with our customers, helping them invest in new assets and acquisitions, increasing working capital facilities, providing a range of deposit solutions, and providing the financial support and services they need to achieve their growth ambitions.

“With much to celebrate in business right across Belfast, I would like to encourage local businesses across all sectors to enter. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to showcase you and your team’s creativity, achievements and ambition.” 

The Belfast Chamber Business Awards will take place at Titanic Belfast on Friday 18th October 2024. Entries at Belfast Chamber Business Awards website www.belfastchamber.com.  Submission deadline is midnight, Friday 6th September 2024.

Should We Have Been Shocked by Varadkar's Shock Resignation?

Jacinda Ardern. Nicola Sturgeon. Now, Leo Varadkar has announced his intention to resign as Irish Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader without seemingly any prior warning. The surprise was universal, with members of his own party and partners in government Fianna Fáil only being told the evening before of his decision. Only last week was Leo Varadkar in Washington, D.C. for the annual St. Patrick’s celebrations and meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden. So why is he resigning? 

Yet when we drill down into why Mr Varadkar may have resigned, it should not have come as much of a surprise. The two recent referenda defeats for the government on wording changes to the constitution may have been the final nail in the coffin for a leader who seemed to be growing tired of the job. There has been a burgeoning sense within the party that it was destined to lose ground at the next General Election, due before February 2025. Potential acceptance of this fate has been shown through the near record 30% of sitting Fine Gael TDs who have already announced that they will not be re-standing when the country goes to the polls. A more imminent threat to his leadership was on the horizon in the form of the upcoming local elections, where Fine Gael had been expected to suffer heavy losses. Is it the case then that Leo jumped before he was pushed? 

Reaction to Varadkar’s resignation has come as quick as the announcement itself. Unionist politicians have offered a more critical view, with some brandishing the Taoiseach as responsible for the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol. Others have been more kind to Varadkar, with SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP saying that he has symbolised the “huge change” in Irish society over the last number of decades and brought Ireland through many significant challenges including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Republic, leader of Sinn Féin and the official Opposition Mary Lou McDonald has said that the government have “run out of road” and so called for a general election to be held. 

Politics is a tough business and whilst yesterday was Varadkar’s day, today all eyes have turned to his potential successor. The leader is expected to be officially in place by the party’s Ard Fheis on 6 April, to be confirmed by the Dáil as Taoiseach on 9 April. Simon Harris, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, is widely tipped to be the next leader of the party and Taoiseach. Whilst it is understood that Fine Gael’s Party Executive have expressed a clear view that a leadership contest would be healthy for the party, whether another candidate with a credible level of support exists remains to be seen. As it currently stands, Harris has received a significant and virtually unassailable number of endorsements from his fellow TDs, Senators, and MEPs and looks set to be crowned without a leadership contest taking place. Another election in a year of many has potentially just been avoided... 

Alliance Party Conference 2024

Introduction

• With the Alliance Party Conference set to take place this weekend, all eyes will be on the ever increasingly influential party, watching for any significant policy announcements.

• Expect an emboldened Alliance Party still riding the waves of success from the 2022 Assembly election where they more than doubled their MLA intake, and more recently clinched two Ministerial roles for the first time in the party’s history.

• However, with this increased influence and responsibility comes increased scrutiny.

Justice on the Conference Agenda

• Party leader Naomi Long MLA has once again taken on the mantle of Justice Minister, so it is safe to say there is a high chance that justice issues will receive significant attention during her speech at the conference.

• There is certainly not a lack of these issues to be discussed – reform of the justice system, policing and its funding and recruitment, and the controversial Troubles Legacy Act are among the many issues waiting to be dealt with by the Justice Minister.

Agriculture and Change on the Conference Agenda

• This party conference will also be like no other for the Alliance Party – with Michael Martin giving the keynote address at the conference dinner tonight, this indicates that the party is attempting to widen its tent.

• Similarly, the traditionally urban party will now be the host to Northern Ireland’s concerned farmers with Andrew Muir MLA having taken on the role of Agriculture Minister. The appointment of the North Down MLA as Agriculture Minister will have left some in the farming community questioning as to whether he knows his Charolais from his Angus.

• With the Alliance party now the first port of call for rural affairs, it will be held to account by farmers and their relative lobbying groups - beginning with the conference this weekend where a fringe event on the future of food and farming in NI will feature.

• However, Minister Muir has a significant in-tray of issues to deal with – as he is also responsible for the environment, dealing with the Lough Neagh crisis and enacting a new environment strategy will be a top priority.

• The new Minister will need to conduct a balancing act, appeasing farmers on one hand and environmentalists on the other.

The Party

• There are key players within the party who have been selected to run as candidates in the upcoming Westminster election.

• Expect these rising stars within the party, such as Kate Nicholl MLA who will be taking on the SDLP’s majority in the Belfast South and Mid Down constituency, to be a prominent figure at this weekend’s conference.

• The party has consistently called for the reform of Northern Ireland’s institutions, and some may argue that this is better done from opposing benches.

• However, the Alliance Party being in government with two Ministerial posts provides a powerful platform to enact the change they desire.

What else can we expect?

• There are also a number of other pressing issues facing Northern Ireland that the party are seeking to address at this weekend’s conference, with a panel debate on childcare as the first order of business and an Early Years Strategy as the focus of one of their fringe events, demonstrating clear priorities for the party.

• The conference this weekend will provide an opportunity for the Alliance Party to further galvanise their base as a renewed party in government as well as making clear their priorities for the rest of this government’s mandate.

Business leaders connected to a decade of £1bn Belfast Region City Deal opportunities

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Lord Caine, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy at City Hall

The Brown O’Connor team were delighted to work alongside Belfast City Council today as heads of Belfast city region business bodies and sectoral representative organisations gathered at Belfast City Hall this morning, Thursday February 29, for a briefing on the significant opportunities being created by the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment – and how they can connect to, and benefit from them.

Addressing the assembled leaders, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy urged them to grasp the many opportunities on offer – and to seek to amplify them through their organisations and networks, to benefit both the local economy and people living here.

One opportunity on the immediate horizon is the Augment the City Challenge competition which is being led by Belfast City Council and supported by £930,000 of Belfast Region City Deal funding. The XR funding competition will support local SMEs to explore the role of immersive technologies in enhancing visitor experiences.

Speaking on behalf of the Belfast Region City Deal partners, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “We’ve made significant progress across all pillars of investment in just two years, moving the Belfast Region City Deal fully into delivery phase. This transformative programme of investment is creating valuable opportunities for our city and regional economy, with local businesses already awarded contracts to support delivery.

“We are also about to launch our Augment the City Challenge funding competition, providing the region’s SMEs with a unique opportunity to develop innovative proof of concepts and prototypes using immersive technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. The competition will also provide valuable insights to support organisations designing new visitor attractions including our landmark Belfast Stories and other City Deal projects such as The Gobbins, Destination Royal Hillsborough, and Carrickfergus Castle.”

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I believe that we have to be optimistic about our economic prospects. The City Deals really speak to that.  

"This Deal alone has seen £1billion of government funding and partner and industry investment over the next 10 years which is going to lay the groundwork for up to 20,000 more and better paid jobs.

"This morning is about connecting you to the opportunities this City Deal offers. It is also about outlining a programme of investment that will support business and people here well into the next generation. It is about our future, our young people and about the decade of opportunity that is referenced in this City Deal."

The deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “City and Growth Deals are long-term initiatives, but it is important that we take time on that journey to celebrate wins, to learn lessons, and acknowledge the progress being made. 

"We are global leaders in cybersecurity, FinTech, RegTech, life and health sciences, advanced manufacturing, the creative industries and low carbon technologies, but we can do so much more. Let's use this momentum to ensure City Deals are the catalyst for the kind of transformation we are capable of and deserve, supercharging investment opportunity, economic growth and tech innovation."

The Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said: “The UK Government is committed to ensuring that Northern Ireland continues to thrive and that it is a fantastic place to live, work and invest.

“That is why we are investing £617m for digital and innovation projects through the four City and Growth Deals, which cover the whole of Northern Ireland.

“The Belfast Region City Deal is the most advanced of the Northern Ireland deals which includes 19 projects in key growth sectors of infrastructure, tourism and regeneration and digital and innovation.

“I look forward to working with the newly restored Northern Ireland Executive, as well as the business and sector leaders attending here today, on harnessing the opportunities each of the City and Growth Deals will bring to Northern Ireland.”

The team at Brown O’Connor look forward to continuing to work alongside Belfast City Council as they deliver the Belfast Region City Deal over the coming months and years.

For more information, go to www.belfastregioncitydeal.co.uk and join in the conversation using #BRCityDeal.

Blackboard Awards return to shine light on Belfast’s teaching stars

The Blackboard Awards will return on Friday 1 March at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast to celebrate teachers of distinction across Belfast. Now in its 12th year, the awards will celebrate teaching staff at primary and post-primary level who strive to light an educational fire among their students.

With more than one hundred nominations, this year’s Blackboard Awards is sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast, while event partners include Belfast City Airport, FLYNN, and H&J Martin Asset Management Services.

Dozens of outstanding educationalists will be honoured during the celebration, demonstrating an appreciation to all who foster and promote the education of children in Belfast.

Speaking ahead of the Blackboard Awards 2024, Dr Ryan Feeney, Vice-President Strategic Engagement and External Affairs at Queen’s University Belfast, said:

“At Queen’s we are proud of the work of both our University Colleges, Stranmillis University College and St. Mary’s University College who alongside the postgraduate provision at our School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work provide world class teachers who make a significant contribution to our society. Therefore, we are delighted to sponsor the Blackboard Awards that recognise the excellent contribution of our teachers.”

Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at Belfast City Airport, added:

“Belfast City Airport is thrilled to join hands with Belfast Media for this year's Blackboard Awards, celebrating those who lead the way in shaping the future for our youth. As a responsible neighbour, we are committed to helping young people across Northern Ireland realise their potential while building a skilled and enthusiastic workforce of tomorrow. Our IGNITE programme, which is now in its fifth year, underscores this commitment, giving young people from a range of schools the tools and confidence to be the best that they can be.”

“Congratulations to all those shortlisted for the 12th annual Blackboard Awards – this is a real testament to those who go above and beyond to encourage students to set their sights even higher, and we are proud to support such a worthwhile event.”

Editor of Belfast Media, Robin Livingstone, said:

“In spite of the obvious challenges faced by schools across the city, it is clear that the teachers and teaching support staff of Belfast remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that in their classrooms, every child is a champion. The Blackboard Awards provide an opportunity to thank these extraordinary educationalists for everything they do for our children and young people.”

Pamela Jones, Principal of Belvoir Park Primary School, concluded:

“Having been honoured with the Principal of the Year award at last year’s ceremony, I can express how thrilled I was to have my commitment recognised. To my fellow educational colleagues across education, who put the children at the centre of all they do, I am delighted that their dedication is getting recognised through these awards.”

Stormont’s Statutory Committee Memberships Confirmed

The membership of Stormont’s Statutory Committees have been confirmed. See below for the membership of all nine committees:

• Mr Harry Harvey MLA, DUP

• Mr Brian Kingston MLA, DUP

• Ms Sinéad McLaughlin MLA, SDLP

• Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, Sinn Féin

• Ms Emma Sheerin MLA, Sinn Féin

• Ms Claire Sugden MLA, Independent

• Mr Jonathan Buckley MLA, DUP

• Mr Pádraig Delargy MLA, Sinn Féin

• Ms Sorcha Eastwood MLA, Alliance

• Mr David Honeyford MLA, Alliance

• Mr Philip McGuigan MLA, Sinn Féin

• Ms Sinéad McLaughlin MLA, SDLP

• Mr Mike Nesbitt MLA, UUP

• Mr John Blair MLA, Alliance

• Miss Nicola Brogan MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mr Tom Buchanan MLA, DUP

• Mr William Irwin MLA, DUP

• Mr Patsy McGlone MLA, SDLP

• Miss Michelle McIlveen MLA, DUP

• Miss Áine Murphy MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mr Andy Allen MLA, UUP

• Ms Kellie Armstrong MLA, Alliance

• Mr Maurice Bradley MLA, DUP

• Mr Brian Kingston MLA, DUP

• Mr Daniel McCrossan MLA, SDLP

• Mr Maolíosa McHugh MLA, Sinn Féin

• Ms Sian Mulholland MLA, Alliance

• Mr Danny Baker MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mr David Brooks MLA, DUP

• Ms Cheryl Brownlee MLA, DUP

• Mr Robbie Butler MLA, UUP

• Ms Cara Hunter MLA, SDLP

• Mrs Cathy Mason MLA, Sinn Féin

• Ms Kate Nicholl MLA, Alliance

• Dr Steve Aiken MLA, UUP

• Mr Phillip Brett MLA, DUP

• Miss Nicola Brogan MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mr Gerry Carroll MLA, People Before Profit Alliance

• Mr Paul Frew MLA, DUP

• Miss Deirdre Hargey MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mr Eóin Tennyson MLA, Alliance

• Mr Alan Chambers MLA, UUP

• Mrs Linda Dillon MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mrs Diane Dodds MLA, DUP

• Miss Órlaithí Flynn MLA, Sinn Féin

• Miss Nuala McAllister MLA, Alliance

• Mr Colin McGrath MLA, SDLP

• Mr Alan Robinson MLA, DUP

• Mr Danny Baker, Sinn Fein

• Mr Cathal Boylan, Sinn Fein

• Mr Patrick Brown, Alliance Party

• Mr Keith Buchanan, DUP

• Mr Stephen Dunne, DUP

• Mr Mark Durkan, SDLP

• Mr Peter McReynolds, Alliance Party

• Mr Doug Beattie MLA, UUP

• Mr Maurice Bradley MLA, DUP

• Mr Stewart Dickson MLA, Alliance

• Mr Alex Easton MLA, Independent

• Mrs Sinéad Ennis MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mrs Ciara Ferguson MLA, Sinn Féin

• Mr Justin McNulty MLA, SDLP

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore: Balancing the books of love on Valentine's Day

Writes Neil Armstrong, Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore.

Neil Armstrong, Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

It goes without saying that Valentine's Day may not typically evoke thoughts of accountancy and tax planning, but for those who are feeling the love, there might be some financial benefits worth considering this February 14.

If your love language involves gift-giving, or you find yourself feeling generous this Valentine's, it's worth noting that certain gifts linked to marriage or civil partnership could be exempt from taxation.

This inheritance tax benefit encompasses the first £5,000 of a gift from a parent of either spouse, the initial £2,500 of a gift from any other ancestor, such as a grandparent, and the initial £1,000 of a gift from any other person.

Upon tying the knot, the Marriage Allowance allows you to transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to your spouse or civil partner. If you're not currently employed, this could potentially reduce your partner’s tax by up to £252 in the tax year, from April 6th to April 5th the following year.

With regards to Capital Gains Tax, married couples and civil partners can enjoy the perk of transferring assets without incurring tax implications. This means you can put your house and/or other assets in your new spouse’s name without incurring a tax liability.

In the unfortunate circumstance of a loved one’s death, it is also worth keeping in mind the Inheritance Tax benefit of passing on your estate to your spouse or civil partner, is completely tax-free.

This Valentine's Day, it is essential to recognise that while love may be blind, your inheritance plans need a clear tax vision. Navigating the love language of financial planning this Valentine’s Day can ensure that you seal the deal with a tax friendly ‘I do.’ After all, what better way to express your commitment than by planning your financial future together?

Fundraising Bra-Walkers Boost NI Breast Cancer Services

Breast Cancer patients are set to benefit from a £40,000 grant made by health charity Walk the Walk to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Walk the Walk is best known as the organiser of the iconic MoonWalk London, when thousands of women and men walk overnight marathons through the city’s streets, wearing decorated bras or colourful bra t-shirts.

With 1 in 7 women in the UK likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime, the Galentine’s Day announcement was made to remind women to check their breasts and highlight the significant role friendships play to individuals impacted by breast cancer.

The funds will specifically help Cancer Focus Northern Ireland continue to provide a bra fitting and swimwear fitting service to more than 800 women each year as well as delivering two wellness retreats for 40 local women affected by breast cancer.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said:

“This Galentine’s Day, I am delighted that Walk the Walk is announcing a grant we are awarding to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, to provide a much-needed bra fitting service and two wellness retreats which will support women with breast cancer. This wonderful charity and the work they carry out is life-changing – I know from my own experience how frightening and isolating a breast cancer diagnosis can be, let alone dealing with the impact of a mastectomy. Working together, our charities can really make a huge difference to so many people. On Galentine’s Day, I’d also encourage everyone to check their breasts regularly for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Early detection of the disease can lead to a better outcome by ensuring that care is provided at the earliest possible stage.”

Activity funded by Walk the Walk’s grant will include:

• The continued delivery of the Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s unique bra and swimwear fitting service for women after a lumpectomy, mastectomy, and all reconstructive breast surgeries. With a team of friendly expert fitters and a wide range of bras to suit any occasion, the service is delivered in six locations across Northern Ireland, with a new service in the charity’s planned Enniskillen Cancer Support Centre earmarked to open later in 2024.

• Two wellness retreats for up to 40 women, as part of the charity’s Focus Friends support group – a breast cancer service for younger women aged fifty and under. Taking place in Donegal, the retreats provide opportunities for women to come together, step away from the pressures of their lives, and speak to one another about their cancer. Each retreat focuses on wellness and wellbeing, with an itinerary filled with therapeutic support, healthy eating, yoga, forest bathing, and nature walks.

Joanne Jones, 44 from Ballyclare, who participated at a recent Cancer Focus NI retreat, commented on why she applied for the opportunity and its impact:

“I was first diagnosed in June 2021 after finding a lump and I had a single mastectomy shortly after. In February last year, I decided to have my other breast removed, to take away the lingering worry it could reoccur. It’s been a long road, I’m on long-term drug therapy, and I’ve just had more surgery recently but I’m so thankful I’m here for my husband, my daughter and my family and friends. When I saw that Cancer Focus NI were running retreats for women like me, I jumped at the opportunity.

“The retreat was incredible. It was so nice to get back to something just for me, and to share it with other girls.  We were all at different stages, some like me post-surgery, others waiting for results.  In the surroundings of the retreat, we all felt that we could talk about anything, with no judgment, no fear of opening up, and no need to hold back – it was such therapy!  We indulged in delicious food, relaxing yoga, forest walks and a hot tub – it was magical to switch off for a few days. I would encourage any women considering a future opportunity to jump at the chance - I didn’t want to leave!”

Pat McClelland, Director of Services at Cancer Focus NI spoke of the funding:

“Thanks to this funding, almost 1,000 women here in Northern Ireland will be able to avail of our charity’s vital breast cancer support services. I cannot begin to explain the role female friendships can play to women impacted by breast cancer. From a 60-minute consultation and chat with a bra fitter to 48 hours with dedicated therapeutic support staff and other females affected by cancer, the level of honesty and empowerment is unparalleled and can impact overall wellness and recovery. Thank you to Walk to Walk for this Galentine’s Day gift which will make such a lasting impact to local women’s lives here in Northern Ireland.”

Entries are now open for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s March and November 2024 retreats. For more information, email care@cancerfocusni.org

The Assembly Backs Motion for Fundamental Appraisal of Planning System

At the end of a busy day on the hill, a motion tabled by Deborah Erskine MLA, Trevor Clarke MLA and David Brooks MLA on the Northern Ireland planning system was debated.  The motion acknowledged the importance of the system and laid bare significant – and fundamental - problems.

Chair of the Committee for Infrastructure Deborah Erskine MLA opened the debate by stating that the planning system in Northern Ireland is simply not fit for purpose. She highlighted that just 3% of appeals are dealt with by the Planning Appeals Commission within their own target timeline.

Mrs Erskine pointed out that the current pace of planning approval is sapping confidence from investors and negatively affecting the economy.  This theme was widely supported across the Chamber, with other members reiterating the need for an overhaul of planning to prevent the barrier to investment caused by intolerable delays.

Cathal Boylan MLA specifically highlighted the impact that slow processing times are having in the green energy industry, where, he said, major planning applications have an average processing time of 57 weeks. The detrimental effect these shortfalls have on new renewable energy, and Northern Ireland’s ability to hit sustainability targets was acknowledged from all sides of the Chamber.

The motion also focused on the importance of planning for rural communities – and the need to support thriving rural communities by opposing policies that further constrain development in the countryside.

While the motion called for ‘the Minister for Infrastructure to commission an urgent and fundamental appraisal of the planning system, Jonathan Buckley MLA suggested that if there was to be a review of the planning process, this should also include the Planning Appeals Commission.

For clarity, John Stewart MLA pointed out that there have been many reviews of the planning system across the last decade, but little has changed. The Minister for Infrastructure however, stated that he realises the motion stops short of calling for a full blown review of the planning process, but rather a fundamental appraisal thereof.

Every MLA who spoke, clearly believes there are significant issues across the planning system and that it must be reformed to assist in Northern Ireland’s economic growth, the safeguarding of the farming community and the development of the green energy industry.

Despite some objection to the wording within the motion, there was widespread cross-party support, and it was passed.

It should be noted that the secondary element of the motion, referring to the role of the Strategic Investment Board and its functions, was not the main focus of today’s debate, however, with the motion being passed, we would expect the SIB element to have a further focus when the time comes.